Autism Awareness Day 2026: 6 Key Autism Signs Every Parent Should Watch For

Early Signs Of Autism:  Every parent eagerly waits for that first real smile or those silly baby babbles of their kids that melt their heart. But when your kid starts showing these little signs of cuteness as early as less than the age of 2 years old, it might be something different. Parents with autistic kids often complained that the child was alright till 18 months to 2 years, and then suddenly the child stopped responding. But the truth is that there will always be signs.

To know more about autism and its early signs, in conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr Rajni Farmania, Principal Consultant - Paediatric Neurology - Centre For Child Health, BLK - Max Super Speciality Hospital, listed 6 early signs of autism parents should not ignore for early and better medical guidance.

6 Key Autism Signs Every Parent Should Watch For:

Here are a few subtle signs that really matter in the first two years of a baby's life, which might be considered red flags, according to Dr Rajni Farmania:

1. Poor Eye Contact

Normally, kids make eye contact and give a smile in response to stimulation. By the age of three to four months, a baby can generally track a known face/ toy closely placed horizontally by 180 degrees. But if a child does not follow a face/object in the visual field by six months, it’s a matter of concern. There can be another thing that a child is interested in looking at objects around, but does not make eye contact, and we think that our child is an explorer, but this can be a red signal.

2. No Response To Calling Name

A child gains the knack of his or her name when repeatedly addressed with a single name by 7-8 months. Sometimes we feel he is too busy with toys and kind of focused on play. Unfortunately, it’s not the right sign of focusing. It instead means self-occupied or object-obsessed and not wanting to make a human connection.

3. Difficult Cuddling

Normally, kids get soothed and calmed down when taken to the lap or a lullaby is sung. If a kid doesn’t want to get cuddled and instead rolls his body backwards most of the time, it could be a sign of poor socialisation and early signs of autism.

4. Not Enjoying The Peek-A-Boo Activity

By nine to 10 months, a child generally enjoys that little hide-and-seek play. Once you hide your face and call him, and unfold your hand, it will incite a smile or laugh. If your baby is not reciprocating to this activity, it is a soft sign of poor connection.

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5. Abnormal Play

Kids between 1 and 2 years enjoy stacking up toys, push-pull toys, and cars. They play in a certain way when you play with them. But, if a child lines up toys, rolls wheels of cars instead of enjoying riding them, it may be a sign of a repeated pattern.

6. Poor Pointing And Attention:

Kids generally enjoy watching a bird or some fancy toy. However, if the child barely pays attention even after 15 months. Then it might be a concern, because typically developing kids should point by themselves to show things of interest like a cow/ dog or toy by 15-18 months. So, if you find these things missing by 18 months, it’s another red flag.

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Lastly, parents should pay careful attention to their newborns and should not ignore these subtle signs and should reach out for medical support as soon as possible to understand better for a better future of their little bundle of joy.